When guests ask if we have wild dogs on Kapama, we always explain that although we may spot them now and again, they are not resident on the Reserve. Wild dogs are roamers and move across large areas sometimes travelling over 50km in a single day looking for food.
Over the past few months, Kapama has had the privilege of seeing several African wild dogs moving through the Reserve. As they move across such large distances, it is difficult to pinpoint from which other neighbouring reserves they have come. However, as a highly endangered species, whenever we see wild dogs on Kapama, it always creates a lot of excitement.
Towards the middle of September, a pack of around six wild dogs made their way onto Kapama. On one particular day, our Rangers, while out with guests came across them and noticed that one of the wild dogs had a snare around its neck with a very prominent open wound. Our Head Ranger Liezl Holmes reached out to wildlife Vet – Dr Rogers from Pro-Vet. Together with Dr Rogers, a team mobilized to track the pack of dogs. The process would include finding the pack of wild dogs and the respective wild dog, darting it and removing the snare as well as administering any other medical attention that might be necessary.
Buffalo Camp Head Ranger Rassie was the last to spot them and radioed it in. Liezel, River Lodge Head Ranger Stefan, together with Dr Rogers set out in the direction of the pack. After about 2 hours of tracking them on Kapama, they came across the pack and more specifically the wild dog with the snare around its neck.
After they managed to get it darted, Dr Rogers set to work to remove the snare and stitch up the wound. They released him shortly after.
Later that afternoon while out with guests, Rangers came across the pack of wild dogs once again. They noticed he had joined up with his pack and was doing rather well. The following morning the pack was seen once again. He was keeping up nicely with the rest of the dogs and they even managed to kill an impala.
What a wonderful ending to the story! Our team felt privileged to have been apart of such a memorable endeavour.
What a wonderful rescue! Snares are cruel devices. Thank you for all the good work you do to protect the animals. We had an outstanding experience at Kapama in March 2020 and hope to return someday. Sending all best wishes!
Dear Laurie
Thank you for the message. We appreciate your comment about our latest blog. Yes, snares are cruel indeed.
We look forward to your return.
Kind regards
Nicole
Ranger Rassie, was the Ranger that lead our group when we were at Buffalo camp. I just want to say that he is so observant and protective about the land, the bush and of course all the animals. His heart is truly in his work. I hope to come back again one of these days.
Dear Tamara
Thank you for the message. We will be sure to pass your kind comments on to Rassie.
We look forward to your return.
Kind regards
Nicole
Well done Kapama!! I was on the vehicle with Rassie the morning we spotted the dog with the snare, and then saw the dog again 2 days later after the snare had been removed, the dog looked both healthy and energetic. Truly a great outcome. Well done to everyone who helped with this.
Hi Anita
Thanks for the message. Wow, how great that you go to see the wild dog after his ordeal.
We hope to welcome you back again soon.
Kind regards,
Nicole
That’s wonderful news! We saw that wild dog with the snare when we there in September. Well done to all!
Hi Jane
Thanks for the message. We were so pleased to give all our guests who saw the wild dog with the snare, the happy news.
Kind regards,
Nicole
What a lovely rescue story!!
Thank you for sharing.
Hi Leonie
Thanks for the message and you are most welcome.
Kind regards
Nicole
Thanks so much. What a great success. Would have loved to be there.
Hi Annette
Thanks for the message. It was a very special moment and pleased we could share the story with everyone.
Kind regards,
Nicole
what a beautiful story
Dear Anna
Thank you for the message. We love sharing stories like this with everyone to enjoy.
Kind regards,
Nicole
Thank you for sharing this amazing story. Well done to all involved.
Good day,
Many thanks, we appreciate the message.
Kind regards,
Nicole
So glad Kapama could save the wild dog. Great work Kapama & all the rescuers that helped. Awesome, Laurie
Dear Laurie
Thank you so much for the message. It was a great team effort.
Kind regards
Nicole